Method and apparatus for firearm sound suppression

ABSTRACT

The method of the current invention provides means to maximize firearm suppressor efficiency with regards to maximizing sound attenuation while minimizing physical size and weight and minimizing firearm backpressure and manufacturing cost. In the preferred embodiment, the device consists of a closed cylinder within which is a separate closed inner cylinder of a lesser diameter and length. Holes coaxial with the assembly provide a means to attach the device to the firearm muzzle at the proximal planar end of the device, for the projectile and ejection mass to enter the proximal end of the inner cylinder and for the projectile and ejection mass to exit the device at the distal end of the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/160,004, filed May 12, 2015, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FIREARM SOUND SUPPRESSION,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Firearm suppressors, referred to by U.S. federal statutes as “silencers” or “mufflers,” are primarily designed to reduce unwanted effects of the muzzle blast and can also be made to improve the performance and accuracy of the weapon and shooter. The most commonly considered purpose of a suppressor is the reduction of the sound level pressure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention muffles noises and reduces visible flash generated by the release of gasses and exploding propellant from a firearm muzzle. This is commonly and collectively referred to as firearm “blast suppression” and the devices used to accomplish this are commonly referred to as “silencers” or “suppressors.” In the preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention is comprised of an outer container within which a separate inner container is fixed such that the proximal end of the inner container is separated from the proximal end of the outer container. Coaxial openings provide a means for the projectile to travel through the spaces formed by both containers and exit the distal end of the device.

Within this device, suppression occurs in at least two distinct stages. In the primary stage, the gasses and unexploded propellant enter the volume of the outer container where the gasses expand and the propellant continues to burn. As the pressure increases in that volume, the pressure differential between that volume and that of the inner container forces gasses and remaining unexploded propellant through the projectile path hole at the proximal end of the inner container. In subsequent stages, the gasses and burning propellant travel through the volume of the inner container to ultimately exit the projectile path hole at the distal end of the device. Within either volume, additional apparatus can be employed to cause improved propellant combustion efficiency or effect fluid flow.

The unique advantages of the present invention include the reduced pressure within the suppressor as compared to that of conventional suppressors of the prior art. This has an immediate and obvious effect of reducing pressure in the firearm barrel. In the case of many automatic and semi-automatic firearms, the increased pressure caused by suppressors of the prior art adversely affects performance and mechanical durability of both the firearm and the suppressor and increases operator exposure to ejected gasses and propellant. Additionally, the reduced pressure reduces the material strength requirements of key suppressor components. The present invention also improves barrel position stability between shots and stabilizes muzzle position during shots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an isometric exploded view of the key component assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the device according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the device illustrating the assembly and operational concept of the device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the device illustrating the incorporation of common devices to affect function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The method of the current invention provides a means to maximize firearm suppressor efficiency with regards to maximizing sound attenuation while minimizing physical size and weight and minimizing firearm backpressure and manufacturing cost.

In the preferred embodiment, the present invention consists of an outer cylinder (102) closed at the proximal end with a planar base (101) and the distal end with a planar cap (104). Within this outer cylinder (102) is a separate inner cylinder (103) of a lesser diameter and length. The outer cylinder (102) and inner cylinder (103) are coaxial and share the distal planar end cap (104) and have a separation of the proximal ends of the cylinders. Holes coaxial with the assembly provide a means to attach the device to the firearm muzzle (202) at the proximal planar end of the device (206), for the projectile (203) and ejection mass to enter the proximal end of the outer cylinder (202) and for the projectile (203) and ejection mass to exit the device at the distal end of the device (210).

Operationally, the bullet (203) or other projectile enters the device through the hole at the proximal end of the outer cylinder (202), passes through the enclosed volume of the outer cylinder (102) and enters the inner cylinder (103) through the hole at the proximal end of the inner cylinder (209). The projectile path (207) continues through the inner cylinder (103) to exit through the exit hole (210) at the distal end of the device. The ejection gasses and unburned propellant enter the enclosed volume of the outer cylinder (102) through the hole at the proximal end of the outer cylinder (202). The ejected gasses and gasses from burning propellant will explosively expand to occupy the available volume within the outer cylinder (204). The lower pressure of the separate inner cylinder (103) will cause the pressurized gasses and particles to propagate through the hole at the proximal end of the inner cylinder (209). As the pressure within the inner cylinder (103) increases, gasses and propellant (205) will move towards and through the distal exit hole (210) until the pressure throughout the system is equalized with atmospheric pressure.

Devices to further affect fluid flow can be placed within either or both cylinders. In the preferred embodiment, baffles (301) common to the current art or other proprietary methods can be fitted within the inner cylinder to control the flow rate and characteristics of the ejected fluid. Devices can also be employed in the primary section of the device to improve gas and propellant dispersion.

The overall size of the device and the relative sizes of the separate containers are dependent upon the specific application, firearm device, and physical and sound characteristics desired by the designer. In general, a larger “primary” volume will result in reduced pressure while a larger and longer inner cylinder may be desired to eliminate ejection of burning propellant. 

1. A suppressor for use with a firearm, said suppressor comprising: a) an outer container defining an outer surface and an inner surface having openings in at least two terminal ends and defining a volume, i) the first and second ends of which have through holes that are axially aligned to define a bullet flight path, (1) the first end of which is selectively fashioned to mount near the firearm muzzle and (2) the second end of which allows the bullet exit; b) a smaller inner container defining an outer surface and an inner surface having openings in at least two terminal ends and defining a volume, i) the first and second ends of which have through holes that are axially aligned to define a bullet flight path, ii) fixed to the second end of the outer container (1) extending at least partially within the volume defined by the outer container with (a) the first end of the inner container separated by space from the first end of the outer container and (2) the bullet flight path of the inner container collinear to the bullet flight path of the outer container and, (3) excepting the points of contact between the inner container and the second end of the outer container, the inner surface of the outer container and the outer surface of the inner container within the volume of the outer container are separated by space defining a volume between them. 2-7. (canceled)
 8. The suppressor of claim 1 wherein the distinct structures of the smaller inner container and the distal second cap are unified as a single body wherein the aperture of the distal second cap is defined by the open distal end of smaller inner container.
 9. The suppressor of claim 1 whereas, excepting discrete points of contact between the inner container and the outer container, the inner surface of the outer container and the outer surface of the inner container within the volume of the outer container are separated by space defining a volume between them.
 10. A suppressor for use with a firearm, said suppressor comprising: a) an outer container being an open hollow cylinder having two detachable end caps on either end, whereby i) both end caps include an aperture that is both sized and positioned to facilitate the passing through of a discharged particle, and ii) the proximal first end cap is selectively fashioned to mount near the firearm muzzle and iii) the distal second end cap to which is additionally attached b) a detachable smaller inner container being a cylindrical body having openings at its two terminal ends whereby i) the proximal first end of the smaller inner container includes an aperture that is sized and positioned to facilitate the passing through of a discharged particle and (1) is separated by space from the proximal first end cap of the outer container, and ii) the distal second end of the smaller inner container which is open and (1) is attached to the distal second end cap of the outer container, whereas (2) the cylindrical body of the smaller inner container is contained within the volume of the outer container and (3) excepting the points of contact between the inner container and the second end of the outer container, the inner surface of the outer container and the outer surface of the inner container within the volume of the outer container are separated by space defining a volume between them.
 11. The suppressor of claim 10 wherein the distinct structures of the smaller inner container and the distal second cap are unified as a single body wherein the aperture of the distal second cap is defined by the open distal end of smaller inner container.
 12. The suppressor of claim 10 whereas, excepting discrete points of contact between the inner container the outer container, and excepting the points of contact between the inner container and the second end of the outer container, the inner surface of the outer container and the outer surface of the inner container within the volume of the outer container are separated by space defining a volume between them. 